Abstract
This study aimed to develop an equation to reduce variability of VO2peak prediction from a step test and compare VO2peak prediction from the new equation to the Queen’s College Step Test (QCST). The
development group (n=86; 21.7±2 years) was utilized to develop the SDState step test
equation to predict relative VO2peak. The cross-validation group (n=99; 21.6±2 years) was used to determine the validity
of the SDState step test VO2peak prediction equation. A regression analysis was used to identify the best model
to predict VO2peak. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was further used to determine differences among
predicted and measured VO2peak values. Forward stepwise multiple regression identified age, sex, abdominal circumference,
and active heart rate at the 3-min mark of the step test to be significant predictors
of VO2peak (mL·kg−1·min−1). No differences among measured VO2peak (47.3±7.1 mL·kg−1·min−1) and predicted VO2peak (QCST, 46.9±9.3 mL·kg−1·min−1; SDState 48.3±5.7 mL·kg−1·min−1) were found. Pearson correlations, ICC, SEE, TEE, Bland-Altman plots, and Mountain
plots indicate the SDState step test equation provides less variation in the prediction
of VO2peak compared to the QCST. The SDState step test equation is effective for predicting
VO2peak from the YMCA step test in young, healthy adults.
Key words
fitness testing - cardiorespiratory fitness - exercise prescription - submaximal exercise
